Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-12-31
TEACHERS CONVENTION.
Complete Report Of the Proceed
ings.

I Complete Report Of the Proceed
ings.
, The meeting of the Trego Count,
Teachers Association, held Dec. "A. shoult
have been much more largely attended
Teachers derive great benefits from thes'
meetings, where the topics in which they
are interested are discussed. Friends Of
education should lend the inspiration q
their presence, as well as join in the dis
cussions.
| The meeting was called to order by
Supt. Baker.
MI. Hudson Harlan gave a talk on the
CRUDE method of teaching numbers, in
which he outlined the subject and ex-
planned the principles involved. The
child is taught each number thoroughly
before proceeding to the next one. He
begins with 1, learning the figure and
signs, and measuring the number by
itself. After the exercise in pure number
comes the applied number. 2 is meas
ured by l and by itself, and all the opera
tions indicated by the signs. 3 is meas
ured by l and 2. A school year is occu-
pied in teaching beginners the first ten
numbers. At the end of the year the
child will not know very much, but what
he does know is well known.
Miss Carrie Davis discussed the subject.
"Can Modelling be. Used to Advantage
in the Common Schools?" was the title of
the paper read by Miss Carrie Davis.
One object of teaching is to train the eye
to see and the hand to do, and the first
step towards this is clay modelling. Little
children will make the geometrical solids
and learn to see them in different objects
very quickly. It is an excellent means of
providing busy work for the little ones
and source of much culture for the older
pupils.
The paper was followed by lesson in
modelling as 1T would be carried out in
the school room, in which the teachers
made from clay some geometrical solids
and other figures.
Mr.. Peacock read paper on "How to
Bring Up Backward Readers" He first
gave a statement of what should be re-
quired in the subject of reading; the pupil
should be able to give a biography of the
author, and the biographical and histor-
ical references in the article. A free use
should be made of the dictionary in get
ting the pronunciation and meaning of
the words in tue lesson. A good way to
help backward readers is to pronounce the
word while the pupils eye is fixed on it,
before he attempts to pronounce it.
"The Use of the Introductory Fourth
Reader" was discussed by Supt. Baker
and Mr.. Peacock, the former stating
that it helps to bridge over the space be-
tween the third and fifth readers which is
too great step to be made with only
the fourth reader between; the latter say
ing that it contains much valuable inform
alton and practice in reading which is
needed.
Prof. Griffith, of Oakley, read an inter-
esting article on "Grading Schools"
Some of the advantages are a gain of !
time, saving of time by reducing the
number of classes in each branch, the |
record of each pupils grade, competition |
among pupils, and stimulation of teachers. !
The work usually accomplished at 16 may
be completed at IL, as is shown by the re-
suits in Prussia and Belgium. It has |
many advantages, but involves persever
ing work on the part of the teacher, who |
must be retained more than one term.
The paper was discussed by Miss Ash !
croft.
Bleaching Physiology and Hygiene
Without Text Book" was discussed by |
Prof Opp. He thought the state depart
ment ought to provide schedule for
teachers use, showing the work to be &C
complished during the year. As there is |
no such thing, the teacher ought to make |
one for his own use. Mr.. Peacock pre-
fers text book, using bones and joints |
as ilutrations, and experiments to show
composition of bone. Mr.. Griffith !
obliges pupils to get the pathfinder" Sc
ries of books. He applies alcohol to
animal tissue and shows the pupil the re-
suit.
The association then adjourned to meet |
the latter part of February, when it is |
hoped many more will be in attendance.
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